Teacher’s Guide: Ages 4-5
God of Wonders Part 2: Genesis through Joshua
Unit 9, Lesson 45
The Wilderness:
Joshua and Caleb
Lesson Aim: To know we can trust God with our fears.
THE WORSHIP
Who God is: The God Who Sends
THE WORD
Bible Story: Deuteronomy 1:21-36
What He has done: God sent Joshua and Caleb to spy on the new land.
THE WAY
Whisper Verse: “Do not be afraid.”
BIBLE MEMORY VERSE
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8
43
44
45
46
47
Bible Story
God Sends Manna,
Exodus 16:2-5, 11-16, 32
The Ten Commandments,
Exodus 20:1-17
The Wilderness: Joshua and Caleb,
Deuteronomy 1:21-36
Promised Land: Crossing the
Jordan River,
Joshua 1:6-9; 3:15-17; 4:4-9, 17-18
Joshua and Jericho,
Joshua 6:1-20
Unit 9: The God Who Sends
What He Has Done
God sent manna so His people
would survive in the wilderness.
God sent the Ten Commandments.
God sends Joshua and Caleb to spy
on the new land.
God sent His people across the
Jordan River into the promised land.
Lesson Aim
To know God sends us what
we need.
To honor our fathers and
mothers.
To know we can trust God
with our fears.
To know we can be strong,
brave leaders.
God sent Joshua and His people to
take over the city of Jericho.
To see we can trust God’s
plan.
TEACHER’S ENCOURAGEMENT
This week, read Psalm 27. Please join us in praying, “Thank You, Lord, for leading the Israelites through
the wilderness. Forgive us, Lord, for our grumbling. Help the children trust You in every situation. Amen.”
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THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 1 of 10
Segment
THE
WELCOME
Minutes
Up to 15
THE
WORSHIP
Up to 20
Activity
Treasure Chest
Whisper Verse
Worship
Sheet music and recordings for
Bible Memory Verse Songs are
available at ResourceWell.org.
Offering
Worship Illustration
THE
WORD
Up to 10
Watch the Word:
Deuteronomy 1:21-36
THE WAY
Up to 25
Craft: Spy Glass
Game: I Spy with My Little Eye
Game: Tents in the Wilderness
Final 5
GOT
TIME?
Up to 10
Up to 10
Up to 10
Snack: Fruit in the Wilderness
Circle of Prayer
Final Five
Say & Do:
Deuteronomy 1:21-36
Game: Stepping Stones
Story Time
Supplies
Treasure chest, stamp or sticker of a magnifying
glass, binoculars, or eyes
Sign language for “Do not be afraid.”
Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse Song:
“Here Am I”
Other Bible Memory Verse Song Suggestions:
“It’s Praise Time”
“Blessed Are Those”
“Children Obey Your Parents”
“Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”
“Give Thanks to the Lord”
“I Am with You”
“I Will Always Obey Your Law”
“I Will Remember”
Additional Song Suggestions:
“Jesus Loves Me”
“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”
Additional Song Collection Suggestions:
Cedarmont Classics Sunday School Songs
ABC’s of Praise; Mary Rice Hopkins
Baskets
The Adventures of Delbert and Lello puppet script
or storybook: God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45
Teacher’s Bible with bookmark at
Deuteronomy 1:29
Visual: Binoculars or magnifying glass
Sturdy white and any other color paper, 5-6 colorful
stickers, craft stick, tape, crayons or markers
“Spy Glass” crafts
Bed sheet and twine or camping tent, Bible Memory
Verse Songs, such as “When I Am Afraid,” “I Am
with You,” or “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled,”
CD player
Fruit snack
None
Ponder, Pray & Play: Unit 9, Lesson 45
Color This Story: “The Wilderness: Joshua and
Caleb”
None
Five paper plates, crayons or markers
Any story about trusting God with our fears
RESOURCES: Supplemental materials are available at ResourceWell.org.
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 2 of 10
Do not be afraid
THE WELCOME
Welcome each child as they arrive. Hello _____. I’m glad you are here! Come open the Treasure
Chest to find today’s treasure. Child unlocks the Treasure Chest to receive a sticker or stamp of a
magnifying glass, binoculars, or eyes. Here is your special spy sticker (or stamp). Today, we will
learn about twelve spies God sent on a special mission. Two of the spies trusted God to take
care of them, even though they were very afraid. Today’s Whisper Verse is “Do not be
afraid.” Teach the Whisper Verse in spoken language and in sign language below. We call it the
Whisper Verse so you can whisper it to others.*
SIGN LANGUAGE: “Do not be afraid.”
(For visual demonstrations, see www.signingsavvy.com.)
Each time we say today’s Whisper Verse, let’s say it with two hand motions:
“Do not”
Both hands, with palms facing down, begin crossed in front of the chest and then
uncross outwardly with force, as if indicating something should stop.
“(be) afraid.”
Hands move in front of the body with the right hand over the left shoulder and the left
hand across the body to the right hip, as if protecting the body from something; both
palms face in toward the body with fingers open.
Allow children to enjoy free play until everyone has arrived. Let’s sing the “Clean Up Song” as we
put toys away before Praise Time. Praise any child who helps. Allow several minutes for clean up.
“Clean Up Song”:
Clean up! Clean up! Everybody, everywhere!
Clean up! Clean up! Everybody do your share!
Gather and seat children in Praise Time area.
*Today’s Whisper Verse: “Do not be afraid,” Deuteronomy 1:29. The Whisper Verse is a tool to help
the children learn a major point in the lesson. It is coupled with sign language or hand motions as a
memory aid. The verse is not necessarily chosen from today’s Bible story.
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 3 of 10
The God who sends
THE WORSHIP
Teacher Tip: To help children identify time set aside for worship, designate a special corner or area for
singing, collecting offering, and watching the worship illustration. Play “It’s Praise Time!” as the children
move to that designated area.
It’s Praise Time—our time to sing praise to the God who sends us where He wants
us to go. God loves us and is always with us wherever He sends us. He sent you
here today and He is with you now. Giving our offering, singing, and praying are
great ways we can thank God for all He has done for us. Let’s start by giving our
offering now. Play: “Give Thanks” as background music while collecting the offering.
Let’s see if Delbert and Lello can tell us about today’s story. Perform The Adventures
of Delbert and Lello puppet script or read storybook: God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45.
God had Moses send twelve spies into a new land. The people in the new land were
taller and stronger than the spies, so many of them were afraid. Moses told them,
“Do not be afraid.” Review the Whisper Verse together: “Do not be afraid.” Include sign
language.
Have you ever been afraid to go to a new place? (Children respond.) It’s important to
remember we can trust in God, just as Joshua and Caleb did. Even when we feel
very small, we can trust God to take care of us wherever He sends us! Sing: “Do Not
Let Your Hearts Be Troubled.”
God sends us to love others and tell them about Jesus. Let’s sing a promise to God
that we will go when He sends us. We can march around the room as we sing. Sing:
“Here Am I.”
We do not need to be afraid to go to new places or try new things because His love
goes with us wherever we go. Sing: “I Am with You.”
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 4 of 10
Joshua and Caleb trust the Lord
THE WORD
Before we begin our Bible Time, let’s say our Classroom Promise with the motions.
With my eyes on my teacher;
My mouth quiet as can be,
I will listen to hear,
How God loves you and me.
Point to eyes.
Place index finger over mouth as quiet sign.
Cup hand around ear.
Hug self, point to others, and then self.
Last time, we learned God sent His people the Ten Commandments. Commandment number
five says to honor your father and your mother. Who remembered to do that this week?
(Children respond.) Today, we will learn how God sent twelve spies into a new land. Only two
spies, Joshua and Caleb, trusted God to keep them safe. I’m going to open the Bible to the
book of Deuteronomy to learn more about what they found in this new land. Handle the Bible
as a special treasure, leaving it open to Deuteronomy 1:29.
WATCH THE WORD: DEUTERONOMY 1:21-36
Read the points below or retell the passage in your own words using the points below as a general guide.
To illustrate the story, display binoculars or a magnifying glass to represent spying on the new land.
Other visual options include the craft sample, Color This Story picture, or any related picture.
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Moses chose twelve good men.
He sent them out to spy on the land.
So, up into the hills they climbed.
They picked tasty fruit and spied.
But, most forgot to trust the Lord;
They were frightened to hear the spies’ report.
They grumbled for they were afraid.
God was angry to hear them complain.
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“Our enemies are huge in that new place.
They are taller and stronger; we are afraid.
And the enemy walls they go so high,
We hear they reach up to the sky!”
Moses said, “Do not be afraid.
Remember our God always makes a way!”
Only Joshua and Caleb trusted in the Lord.
God gave them the land as their reward!
What did Moses say to the frightened people? (“Do not be afraid.”) Let’s find our
answer in the Bible. Read Deuteronomy 1:29 from the teacher’s Bible.
That reminds me of our Whisper Verse. Let’s say it together, “Do not be afraid.” Include sign
language or hand motions.
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 5 of 10
We can trust the Lord
THE WAY
Teacher Tip: Craft and games can be presented at the same time in different areas or one at a time
depending on class size and teaching style.
CRAFT: SPY GLASS
Purpose: To know we can trust God with our fears.
Supplies: Sturdy white and any other color paper, 5-6 colorful stickers, craft stick, tape, crayons or
markers
Prepare: On sturdy white paper, draw or print a picture of a Bible times city. From colorful sturdy paper,
cut a 6-inch x 9-inch rectangle. On the paper, print:
“Do not be afraid.”
Deuteronomy 1:29
Directions:
1. If needed, color the picture of the Bible times city.
2. Tape the Bible times city to a craft stick.
3. Decorate the 6-inch x 9-inch rectangle with 5-6 stickers and crayons or markers, being careful not
to cover the Whisper Verse.
4. To create the spy glass, roll the rectangular paper lengthwise to create a cylinder.
5. Tape the ends together so the paper stays rolled.
Craft Discussion:
 Look through your spy glass at the city, just like the spies may have done.
 Have you ever gone to a new place? (Children respond.)
 What was the most amazing thing you saw in that new place? (Children respond.)
 Did you see anything frightening in the new place? (Children respond.)
 Who was there with you? (Parents, siblings, friends, God.)
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 6 of 10
THE WAY continued…
GAME: I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE
Purpose: To help the children identify with the twelve spies who were sent to the new land.
Supplies: “Spy Glass” crafts
The spies must have seen many new things in the new land. I think there are things right
here in this room we have never noticed before. Let’s play a special game and see what we
can find using our spy glasses!
Directions:
1. Teacher secretly chooses an object visible in the room and says, “I spy with my little eye
something that is the color of the item.” If children cannot guess the item, give them hints
about the objects size, shape, etc.
2. Children look around the room with their spy glasses and try to guess the object.
3. When a child has guessed the correct object, play again. You may choose to allow the children to
take turns choosing the object while the others guess.
GAME: TENTS IN THE WILDERNESS
Purpose: To identify with God’s people in the wilderness.
Supplies: Bed sheet and twine or camping tent, Bible Memory Verse Songs, such as “When I Am Afraid,”
“I Am with You,” or “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled,” CD player
In the wilderness, God’s people lived in tents. When they were afraid of going to the new land,
they went into their tents and grumbled. Let’s make a tent and go inside. We can pretend we
are God’s people. Instead of grumbling in our tent, we can enjoy the fruit the spies brought
back from the new land.
Directions:
1. Create a wilderness tent using a camping tent or use twine to tie four corners of a bed sheet from
the ceiling or cover tables with bed sheets.
2. Have the children crawl inside the wilderness tent.
3. Sing a song about trusting God, such as “When I Am Afraid,” “I Am with You,” or “Do Not Let Your
Hearts Be Troubled.”
4. Optional: Serve the snack inside the tent and enjoy the snack discussion.
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 7 of 10
THE WAY continued…
SNACK: FRUIT IN THE WILDERNESS
Purpose: To know we can trust God with our fears.
Snack Suggestion: Fruit snack
Who remembers what the spies brought back from the new land? (Good fruit.) As we eat our
fruit snack, let’s talk about today’s story.
Directions:
1. Serve snack and drink.
2. Let’s sing the “Blessing Song.” Sing to the tune of “Frere Jacques” or other familiar tune.
God our Father, God our Father. Once again, once again.
Thank You for our blessings. Thank You for our blessings. Amen. Amen.
3. Lead discussion below while the children enjoy their snack.
 Who remembers the Whisper Verse? (“Do not be afraid.”) Let’s say it together with
the hand motions.
 Have you ever been afraid to go to a new place? (Children respond.) Did someone you
trust say, “Do not be afraid?” (Children respond.) Did anything happen to calm your
fears? (Children respond.)
 When we are afraid, it can help to sing a song about God’s power, His goodness, or
His miracles. Remembering those things helps us trust in Him. Is there something
special you do to help you trust God when you are afraid? (Children respond.)
CIRCLE OF PRAYER
God made you and He cares for you. He loves to hear you pray with private words or words
you say out loud. Let’s fold our hands and close our eyes. As I lift up your name to God in
heaven, I will lay my hand on your shoulder. Let’s pray together.
Dear God, thank You for making us and loving us. We lift up to You a special prayer for ___,
___, ___ (read every name). We pray for our families and friends. Thank You for teaching us
how to love one another. Amen.
When only 5 minutes remain, begin this segment.
FINAL FIVE MINUTES
COMPLETED CRAFT: Take home your “Spy Glass” craft. Use it to tell someone how Joshua
and Caleb spied on the new land.
PONDER, PRAY & PLAY: Distribute Ponder, Pray & Play cards if available. Show this card to your
family. Talk about what to do when you are afraid to go to a new place.
COLOR THIS STORY: “The Wilderness: Joshua and Caleb.” Discuss the Bible Story and play the Unit 9
Bible Memory Verse Song, “Here Am I,” as children color.
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 8 of 10
If time remains, choose from the connected activities below.
GOT TIME?
SAY & DO: DEUTERONOMY 1:21-36
Purpose: This pantomime version of the Bible Story helps children remember the story details.
Supplies: None
Directions: With each phrase, the teacher says the phrase and acts it out with hand motions; then
repeats the same phrase and motions with the children.
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Moses chose twelve good men. (Point, as if choosing.)
He sent them out to spy on the land. (Place imaginary binoculars on eyes.)
So, up into the hills they went. (Walk in place.)
They picked tasty fruit and spied. (Rub tummy.)
But, most forgot to trust the Lord; (Look afraid.)
They were frightened to hear the spies’ report. (Cup hands at ears.)
They grumbled for they were afraid. (Fold arms, as if grumpy.)
God was angry to hear them complain. (Cup the hands at ears.)
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“Our enemies are huge in that new place. (Spread arms wide.)
They are taller and stronger; we are afraid. (Show muscles.)
And the enemy walls they go so high, (Look up high.)
We hear they reach up to the sky!” (Reach high.)
Moses said, “Do not be afraid.” (Whisper Verse sign language.)
Remember our God always makes a way!” (Point to heaven.)
Only Joshua and Caleb trusted in the Lord. (Hold heart.)
God gave them the land as their reward! (Clap hands.)
BIBLE MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITIES
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8
GAME: STEPPING STONES
Purpose: To help children memorize and review the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse.
Supplies: Five paper plates, crayons or markers
Prepare: Write the words “Here am I. Send me!” on paper plates with one word on each plate.
Directions:
1. Place the paper plates word side up and in order on the floor.
2. Say to one of the children, “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And
who will go for Us?’”
3. The child steps on the plates in order as all the children say, “Here am I. Send me.”
4. Repeat with each child.
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
Page 9 of 10
GOT TIME continued…
STORY TIME
Gather the children and read a favorite story. This can be a Bible Story, a chapter from The Adventures of
Delbert & Lello, or a story about trusting God with our fears.
PONDER, PRAY & PLAY
Unit 9, Lesson 45: The Wilderness: Joshua and Caleb
PONDER! Read Deuteronomy 1:21-36 with your family. Talk about how it can be frightening to go to a
new place, to meet new people, or to see big buildings. Share family tips for how to calm fears and trust
in the Lord.
PRAY! Pray this prayer each day this week: “Thank You, Lord, for sending Your spies ahead of Your
people to protect them. Thank You for protecting us so we never need to be afraid. Amen.”
PLAY! Take your family exploring to a place you have never been. Take along a drawing pad and a
magnifying glass, if you have one. Take notes or draw pictures of the new things you see. Talk about how
you feel when you discover new things.
Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse: Isaiah 6:8
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
THE WORSHIP, THE WORD & THE WAY ~ © 2011. Northland, A Church Distributed, Inc. ~ ResourceWell.org
God of Wonders Unit 9, Lesson 45 ~ Ages 4-5
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